Preparation and characterization of a degradable magnesium phosphate bone cement

A kind of degradable magnesium phosphate bone cement (MPBC) was fabricated by using the mixed powders of magnesium oxide (MgO), potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KH(2)PO(4)) and calcium dihydrogen phosphate (Ca(H(2)PO(4))(2).H(2)O). As MgKPO(4), the main product of MgO and KH(2)PO(4) was alkaline, the Ca(H(2)PO(4))(2).H(2)O was added to neutralize the alkali of the system. And the effects of Ca(H(2)PO(4))(2).H(2)O on the performance of MPBC were discussed. The results showed that the adding of Ca(H(2)PO(4))(2).H(2)O extended the setting time, which was about 6 min to 18 min. The compressive strength increased first and then decreased, and maximum value reached 31.2 MPa after setting for 24 h without any additional pressure. The MPBC was degradable in Tris–HCl solution, and the extracts of the cytotoxicity assay showed that the MPBC had good biocompatibility, indicating that the MPBC had good biodegradable and biocompatible properties.